Da Doo Run Run Cancelled
Given the evolving public health situation and potential spread of COVID-19, we have made the difficult decision to cancel the 2020 "W.C. Handy Festival Da Doo Run Run 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run" originally scheduled for July 25, 2020. We are saddened that we won’t be able to host our favorite running event of the year in the Florence-Shoals area. Please know that this decision was not made lightly, but we must put the health and well-being of our community first. We appreciate your understanding in advance.
We aim to make the 2021 "W.C. Handy Festival Da Doo Run Run 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run" bigger and better than ever.
Look forward to seeing everyone back in 2021!
W.C. Handy Festival 2020
After much discussion, thought, and prayer, the Music Preservation Society Board of Directors, along with the W.C. Handy Festival Steering Committee, have reached the decision to move forward with plans for this year.
We recognize that the number of cases is still increasing each day, and that while we are all impacted, there may be those of you who have loved ones who were even more directly affected. Please know that we have no wish to be insensitive to the effects that the pandemic is having on everyone. We believe, however, in the power of music, and that after we have begun to regain some sense of normalcy, we will have a reason to celebrate having come through this time. We may be physically distant from one another, but we are still socially connected. Somehow, we'll be able to show that connection during the W.C. Handy Festival.
It will take time to recover spiritually, physically, and economically. To address the latter, the MPS Board met last month and, given the circumstances, made the decision to reduce participation fees in an effort to assist our event coordinators, restaurants, and sponsors. We do not know what the Festival will look like this year, but we are determined to continue to honor the legacy of Mr. Handy and the music history of the Shoals.
We have explored ideas to create a safe Festival. And we look forward to hearing your ideas also. Thank you for planning your 2020 Handy Festival events. Thank you all. Please stay safe.
